The relations between corruption and human rights, and the different ways corruption undermines the enjoyment of human rights, have resulted in the proliferation of a human rights-based approach to corruption. It is based on and utilizes the human rights framework that approaches individuals as “rights-holders” and the role of States as “duty-bearers”.
The human rights-based approach therefore in principle complements the criminal justice approach to corruption. The human rights-based approach and the criminal justice approach emphasize different harms and responsibilities. Standard anti-corruption efforts are enforced through criminal justice frameworks and national legislation. For example, criminalizing certain conduct and by prosecuting and punishing perpetrators. The criminal justice approach is reflected in UNCAC and is based in domestic laws and legislation.
Sources:
THE NEXUS BETWEEN ANTI-CORRUPTION AND HUMAN RIGHTS: A Review by the Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law.
International Council on Human Rights Policy and Transparency International (2009). Corruption and Human Rights: Making the Connection. Geneva, Switzerland.